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B3AND1P · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 12:39 am

I am going back to school soon in L.A. and I have been struggling with the idea of just taking night courses, or actually going all the way and getting a degree.

I am 25 and a professional 3d artist (and have been for the past 4 years). I have strong technical skills, but I have never really studied art. I want to learn more about painting and drawing to help with my 3d art, and I also have dreams of one day becoming a matte painter.

I am afraid of going to school for 3 years because who knows what kind of work opportunities I might miss, but I am worried that if I really want to be the best I need to really learn my craft from the bottom up.

I am sure I could afford the school with freelancing and loans, but I am torn wondering if it will actually be worth it. Does anyone have any advise on what I should do?

I appreciate any knowledge anyone could share. I am really confused!
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eyewoo · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 6:38 am

beginnering · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 8:19 am

i aint 'the expert' or anything, but my establishment is that dreams are there to be chased. Of course ur insecure about a 'what if', but i think that's a part of life.

no worries

Tomasis · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 10:09 am

3 years is not much to be 25 year old as you Cool

do what do you want

B3AND1P · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:06 am

I'm worried because when I get out I will be 28 or 29 and have no work experience for the last 3 years! Also, in the 3d industry things move so fast that I am afraid I will be left behind.

Does everyone just think I am just worrying too much?
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Impaler · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:42 am

1) There are more job offerings for the 3D artist right now than there were two years ago, and a whole hell of a lot more than there were 10 years ago. Don't worry about finding a job in a growing industry.

2) Education gives you a wider palette of tools with which to adapt to a constantly changing world. In ten years, there may not even be a need for 3D artists, but at least you'll know how to draw. There's always been a need for classic illustration and artistic endeavor.

3) What's three years compared to the 80 or so that you'll be alive? I can't think of a better use of your time than education and intellectual exercise.

DO IT.
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QED, sort of.

B3AND1P · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:56 am

Gort · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 5:32 pm

B3AND1P · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 5:40 pm

but would I really benifit from going for a full degree versus night courses for a year?
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skullmonkeys · member Member # Joined: 05 May 2004 Posts: 183

but think of all the useful skills that you will learn in school. work experience is nothing if you don't have the skills to do it. I think there will be plenty of opportunities in the future for you if you have solid skills and who knows? maybe you'll find an opportunity through networking within school.
As for the night school versus full degree, Check what is available, and what you can learn from it and if you think you can get all the education and skills you need that way, then go with it.

scallywag · Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 12:39 pm

I'm no art expert but my rule in these situations is "Would I regret not doing it on my deathbed?"

B3AND1P · Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 2:56 pm

well of course on your death bed you can afford to regret anything you want because there is no consequences in regret land. But in the real world I have to come to grips with the fact that I will be 90k in debt after getting out of school. Maybe on my death bed I will regret getting in such debt.
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fathomsforty · junior member Member # Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Posts: 3

I suggest that you go to Calarts (California Insitute of the Arts) in Valencia California...I went there and the average age is 27...if you are going to be anybody in this biz, you go there and take their animation program...wanna here a list of alumnai's?!: Tim Burton, Everyone at Pixar, the director of SkyCaptain and the World of Tomorow, just to name a few. It is the number one animation school on this planet. Trust me the three years will be well worth going through. Your teachers are directors in the biz already, so don't worry about missing work, you'll be rubbing elbows with everyone within a month...Email me if you wanna know more.. oh yeah and did I mention nude pool and free beer every thursday?

Quiet · junior member Member # Joined: 20 Sep 2004 Posts: 6

Take it from another 3D artist: a strong background in fine art skills will make you a better 3D artist.